India is facing an LPG shortage due to disruption in the Strait of Hormuz. A key supply route has been affected by the West Asia conflict. Argentina has stepped in to help India meet its energy needs. In early 2026, Argentina exported 50,000 tonnes of LPG to India. This is more than double last year’s supply. Shipments were sent from Bahia Blanca port. Officials said the partnership is growing quickly. The long distance makes transport costly and slow. Still, India is working to diversify energy sources. The government is also promoting piped gas to reduce pressure on LPG supply across the country. (PC: Reuters)

India has criticised Pakistan’s offer to mediate in the Iran war. Foreign Minister S Jaishankar said India is not a “broker nation” like Pakistan, sources said. The remarks were made at an all-party meeting in Delhi. Pakistan had offered to help talks between the US and Iran. India said such moves are based on US-Pakistan ties. The government defended its approach to the crisis. It said India is in touch with all sides. Over 4.25 lakh Indians have been brought back from Iran so far. Officials said energy supplies remain stable. India stressed it will protect national interests and maintain balanced ties in the region.

The Indian government has stated that more Indian ships will continue to pass through the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz despite rising tensions in West Asia. Officials emphasized that maritime operations remain active with necessary security precautions in place. At the same time, the Centre reiterated that the safety of the Indian diaspora in the region is its top priority. Authorities are closely monitoring developments and are prepared to take evacuation or emergency measures if needed, while maintaining coordination with regional governments to ensure the protection of Indian nationals and trade routes. (PC: HT)

Rishi Sunak has praised India’s rapid rise in artificial intelligence, stating that both India and the United Kingdom are now “AI superpowers.” His remarks come as India surpasses the UK in global AI rankings, reflecting its growing technological capabilities, talent pool, and innovation ecosystem. Sunak highlighted the importance of collaboration between the two nations in advancing AI development responsibly. The development underscores India’s increasing global influence in cutting-edge technology sectors, while also reinforcing the UK’s continued leadership and commitment to strengthening international partnerships in AI research, governance, and innovation.

The Indian Navy has started an operation to protect energy vessels moving through the Strait of Hormuz amid the ongoing war. Top defence sources said the mission is being carried out quietly and with extreme caution. The aim is to ensure safe passage for Indian-flagged cargo ships. Officials said the operation also focuses on evacuation if needed. “It is being conducted with the highest degree of caution and minimal publicity,” a source said. The Navy is closely monitoring the situation in the region. The Strait of Hormuz remains a key route for global oil shipments and is currently under high security risk. (PC: X)

Elbridge Colby described India as an “essential partner” for the United States in the Indo-Pacific, stating India’s rise aligns with American strategic interests. Speaking in New Delhi, he emphasised a shared goal of preventing dominance by any single power in the region. Colby noted that both nations can cooperate effectively despite differences, underscoring pragmatic engagement. He made no reference to the Quad while outlining policy priorities. His visit coincides with ongoing West Asia tensions and precedes defence talks with Indian officials, highlighting continued bilateral dialogue on regional security and strategic alignment.

Narendra Modi and Donald Trump held their first call since the February 28 strikes on Iran triggered conflict, focusing on West Asia tensions and global supply risks. Modi stressed de-escalation and ensuring the Strait of Hormuz remains open, secure, and accessible. India has intensified diplomatic outreach to Iran, Israel, GCC nations, and the US to stabilise the situation. Concerns centre on disruptions to fuel, food, and fertiliser supplies. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has engaged multiple counterparts. While avoiding direct involvement, India continues maritime security operations to safeguard shipping and maintain critical supply chains.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with US President Donald Trump on the Middle East crisis. Modi said the call was a “useful exchange”. He said India supports de-escalation and early peace. He stressed that the Strait of Hormuz must stay open, secure and accessible. He said this is important for global trade and energy supply. Modi also told Parliament that any disruption in Hormuz is “unacceptable”. He said attacks on ships are affecting fuel and goods supply. He warned the war is hurting the global economy. He added India is using diplomacy to ensure safe passage of its ships. Both leaders agreed to stay in touch. (PC: India Today)

India clarified that no payments or special permissions are required from Iran for ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz, dismissing speculation about multimillion-dollar fees. A senior government official said vessel movements are guided solely by safety assessments amid heightened West Asia tensions. India remains diplomatically engaged with Iran to ensure safe passage of its ships. This engagement recently facilitated the transit of LPG tankers Shvalik and Nanda Devi, with another vessel docking at Mundra Port earlier. Iran has also rejected claims of charging transit fees. The Strait, a crucial oil route between Iran and Oman, continues to face scrutiny as geopolitical risks impact maritime operations. (PC: The Indian Express)

PM Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump discussed escalating West Asia tensions, emphasising the need to keep the Strait of Hormuz open, secure, and accessible. The update, shared by Sergio Gor, noted their review of the crisis and its implications for global energy supply and maritime security. Modi confirmed a “useful exchange of views,” supporting de-escalation and peace. Both leaders agreed to stay in touch. The Strait, handling 20 per cent of global crude shipments, remains vital. India, heavily dependent on Gulf energy imports, is monitoring developments and has initiated contingency planning to ensure uninterrupted fuel and essential commodity supplies